according to the gallup poll, that up tick gives president obama and romney 48% among registered voters. romney now has 5% -- 51% of the lead. voters have been showing up in groves early to cast their vote. now some political informants worry that hurricane sandy will keep folks away from polls. 15% of registered voters nationwide have already cast their billion lots. >>> that massive storm back east blew the presidential election. >> i'm worried about the impact on our first r esponders. i'm worried about the impact on our economy. >> reporter: president obama cancelled an appearance in florida as he oversees that storm. this is the first time in 40 years that that newspaper has endorsed a republican presidential candidate. for his part, romney today asked voters to consider those in sandy's path. >> a lot of people are enduring very difficult times, and our hearts and our prayers go to them. >> reporter: romney replaced his online fund raising efforts with links to the american red cross to help victims of the storm. he's had to cancel campaign events but intends to visit virginia aft